Swinging seat frame for mounting to any supportive vertical surface

ABSTRACT

A swinging seat frame of the type deriving support from a mounting bracket attached to a vertical surface. Frame to bracket connection is pivotal allowing the legless frame to swing laterally in relation to vertical surface. Mounting bracket ( 3.   a ) communicates with seat frame, using frame member ( 1.   a ) as axle receiver, secured to bracket ( 3.   a ) by axle ( 2.   j ) there by completing the pivotal mounting. Frame is constructed of materials that are structurally capable of supporting frame and occupant along with stresses related to swing motion. The mounting bracket ( 3.   a ) may be of two independent pieces to conform to an irregular mounting surface. Frame may use an exterior bracket ( 7.   d ) affixed to the frame. Frame bracket ( 7.   d ) is a mirror image of vertical surface mounting bracket ( 3.   a ) allowing frame bracket to rest on horizontal portions of bracket ( 3.   a ). Vertical surface mounting bracket ( 3.   a ) is secured to frame bracket (7. d ) using axle ( 1.   a ) with retaining nuts ( 2.   f  and  2.   g )

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/998,956, filed Jul. 14, 2014 by the present inventor.

FEDERAL SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not Applicable

SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of Invention

This invention provides legless seating that mounts on a vertical surface allowing occupant to swing laterally.

Prior Art

Traditional seating requires solid surfaces to support the legs of chairs and stools. The vertical surface mounting aspect of swinging seat frame eliminates this handicap. All that is needed is a solid vertical surface for support of the frame. The swinging seat frame allows occupants to change the proximity to adjacent occupants with ease. The swing motion is an arc determined by the length of the frame, which in turn is determined by the size of the table top. By the very nature of the arc movement, a circular table maintains a seat to table edge clearance over a longer range of the frames swinging motion making it ideal. Occupants can swing together, to one side of the table, apart, or any combination desired by the occupants. The rotating seats additionally allow face to face or back to back orientation, while the swinging motion allows seating proximity of each to be adjusted to any distance within the swinging limitations of frame, bracket and mounting. The design of this frame seat creates additional advantages beyond the novelty of its motion. Soft sand of the beach, coarse gravel, uneven turf, cobble stone, brick pavers, and textured concrete all have surfaces and or densities that present problems for seating with legs. The swinging legless design additionally has time and money saving benefits. Legs are obstructions restricting access for cleaning under seats and tables, a simple swing allows unrestricted access for sweeping and debris removal from underneath, repositioning after use or cleaning, and increasing open space when not in use by swinging to the side. The time saving features equate into cost savings in a commercial setting. A few minutes saved, several times per day is substantial. Its mounting to a wide variety of vertical surfaces allows an increase in seating inside and out at minimal cost. A single post erected in any supportive substrate will provide an increase of 4 to 6 seats. Interior or exterior walls in conjunction with a simple wall mounted counter top makes an economical option to increase seating, limited only by the length and strength of the structure. Food vendors using trucks and trailers would benefit by mounting frames to the side of their units allowing use without regard to the surface they park upon. Sandy areas around beach side restaurants and bars are prime areas to make use of this low environmental impact seating. They can be produced in many configurations and sizes to accommodate most any table size and application. Paint schemes and patterns along with decorative shapes can be added to enhance the decor in which the seating is placed. The open center of the frames may be used to display advertisements, art work, and logos with the insertion of support structure that meets the requirements of the addition(s). This adds value beyond the primary purpose of the swinging seat. Materials used for the seat may be of any substance sound enough to support both occupant and mount attachment, by post or post and plate. I see this in settings from the sandy beaches to restaurants, just about anywhere, in configurations to allow a seat with back rest or a saddle and stirrups. Movement while seated brings a smile to young and old alike, be it a swing in a park or a rocking chair on a porch. It's about fun.

OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES

Accordingly, several objects and advantages of my invention are;

-   -   (a) to provide seating that is unaffected by soft and uneven         terrain by eliminating legs;     -   (b) to provide an economical solution to increase commercial         seating;     -   (c) to provide a fun seating option with curb appeal that         attracts people to sit;     -   (d) to provide seating than saves labor/time of repositioning         for clean up;     -   (e) to provide seating that will not be relocated by patrons;     -   (f) to provide seating that needs no solid floor, reducing         environmental impact;     -   (g) to provide seats that allow occupants to swing together for         intimate conversation;     -   (h) to provide a near anywhere seating option, posts, walls,         trees, vehicles, boulders, etc.;     -   (i) to provide seats where occupants may swing, for a better         view, for photographs;     -   (j) to provide seating adaptable to a wide range of decorative         motifs;

Further objects and advantages are the wide variety of surface treatments including but not limited to, paint, powder coat, textures, and anodizing colors available to meet artistic requirements. Use of industry standard seat mounting pattern, allows seat availability in a wide variety materials and colors, including private and licensed logos. The open areas of the frame lend it to be used for signs, art work, logos or novelties. The frame mounts being independent of the frame allow for customization to conform to any intended mounting surface. The frame is of simple design and uses structural internal braces placed at the most advantageous positions, with secondary braces that may be adjusted for appearance where structural integrity is not compromised.

SUMMARY

In accordance with the present invention Swinging seat frame designed to mount to any surface structurally sound enough to support seat and occupant, allowing lateral movement to adjacent seats as well as directional rotation.

DRAWINGS—FIGURES

In the drawings, closely related figures have the same number but different alphabetic suffixes.

FIG. 1 Shows the 8 steel pipe pieces 1.a thru 1.h and the relative positions required to complete a welded frame.

FIG. 2 Shows 8 frame pipe pieces, 1.a Axle receiver tube, 1.b Top rail tube, 1.c Bottom rail tube, 1.d Seat receiver tube, 1.e Secondary frame brace tube, 1.f Primary frame brace tube, 1.h. 3.a the mounting bracket, 2.b thru 2.e bronze flange bearings. 2.f thru 2.h retaining nuts. 2.j main axle. 2.m seat mount plate. 2.n seat axle.

FIG. 3 Shows mounting bracket 3.a and details it through top, bottom, side and front views of mounting bracket. 2.j shows main axle that provides swing and points of attachment of frame to frame hanging bracket 3.a with bronze flange bearings 2.b and 2.c, retaining nuts 2.f and 2.g. 2.n. seat axle post. 2.m seat mounting plate (top view) 2.m,n shows the seat axle post 2.n welded to seat mounting plate 2.m (side view).

FIG. 4 Shows assembly detail of frame axle tube 1.a to mounting bracket 3.a. Flange bearings 2.b and 2.c are inserted into each end of frame axle tube 1.a. With bearings installed axle receiver tube 1.a is inserted into bracket 3.a and holes in bracket align with center of tube 1.a. Retaining nut 2.g is applied to the top of axle 2.j. Axle 2.j is inserted through top bracket hole continuing through center of axle 1.a and its installed flange bearings 2.b and 2.c stopping when sufficient axle threads protrude the bottom bracket hole to apply retaining nut 2.f.

FIG. 5 Is an elevation showing a completed frame with seat, attached to mounting bracket which is mounted to a pole that is set in concrete.

FIG. 6 is an engineered drawing of a frame for a 42 inch table showing the lengths, position and angles frame members are to be cut and welded.

FIG. 7 illustrates an additional embodiment of “U” frame style formed from a single length of tube labeled 7.a, that allows a large seat or seat with back to be used, bracket labeled 7.d is used for this and adaptable to other frame styles, and foot rest plate labeled 7.b. provides a wider platform for feet.

FIG. 8 shows range of arc possible for post mounted swing seat frame.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION—FIGS. 1 THROUGH 6—PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

A preferred embodiment of the inventions frame is illustrated in FIG. 6 engineered drawing showing side top, front and angled views, including structural member size and orientation for a 34 inch frame. The preferred embodiment is constructed of 1 inch schedule 40 steel pipe, any material of sufficient strength that meets structural requirements of the intended use may be used. Materials may include but are not limited to, aluminum, stainless steel, metal alloys, carbon fiber and plastics.

A preferred embodiment of a complete trapezoid shaped frame and mounting bracket consisting of 8 pieces of tube for the frame as shown in FIG. 1 pieces 1.a through 1.h. Bracket 3.a as shown in FIG. 3 preferred embodiment consists of steel bar stock 2 inches in width ¼ inch thick and 27 inch length that allows it to be formed in “L” at each end and accommodates the axle tube with flange bearings installed and supports ⅝ inch holes for the axle. In FIG. 3.a front view a typical bracket mounting hole pattern is illustrated, size and position of these holes may be varied to accommodate mounting to different structure types. Holes in bracket illustration 3.a top and bottom are for axel 2.j preferred embodiment diameter of ⅝ inch, threaded on each end and of a length that allows a retaining nut of matching thread be used to secure the frame axle tube with flange bearings 2.b and 2.c inserted in the ends of axle tube 1.a as shown in FIG. 4 to the bracket 3.a as shown in FIG. 3.

The seat post preferred embodiment consist of a 6 inch by 6 inch steel plate ¼ inch thick with 4 seat mounting holes drilled 4¼ inches on center (industry standard). Post 2.n FIG. 3 is the seat axle post consisting of a ⅝ inch diameter steel axle shaft 7 inches in length including a 1 inch threaded end to allow a retaining nut to secure. Seat post 2.n is welded to the center of seat mounting plate perpendicular to the plane of the seat plate 2.m as shown in FIG. 3. Leaving the threaded end exposed for retaining seat assembly to the frame via retaining nut. This assembly will accommodate a wide variety of commercially available seat tops. Shown is 2.k a wooden seat round attached with appropriate wood screws to plate 2.m. The seat post 2.n with 2.m plate and 2.k attached is inserted into frame seat tube 1.d with flange bearings 2.d and 2.e pressed into tube ends as shown in FIG. 2, the assembly is retained using appropriate size nut.

FIG. 1 shows preferred embodiment of an exploded view of members of trapezoid frame only configuration These frames are customizable to table size within structural tolerances. Axle tube 1.a length is determined by seat height, ground clearance and required structural integrity. Seat tube 1.d is connected to axle tube 1.a using top tube 1.b. Top Tube 1.b connects to tubes 1.a and 1.d at 90 degree angles on the same plane, additionally it determines the length of the frame and length of all other frame members. Bottom tube 1.c completes the trapezoid shape and provides the support for internal braces 1.f, 1.e and foot rests 1.f, 1.g.

Internal brace 1.f is attached to the top of axle tube 1.a measured at 45 degree angle to 1.a which puts its angle in relation to top tube 1.b also at 45 degrees. Internal brace 1.e is proportional to the length of the frame making its angle variable to frame length. Foot rests 1.g and 1.h may be positioned anywhere along tube 1.c's length with consideration of occupants comfort.

Frame assembly preferred embodiment FIG. 2 axle tube 1.a is cut at 90 degree angles in relation to its length of 22 inches. The cut ends of this tube receive flange bearings with an outside diameter of 13/16ths inch that match 1 inch schedule 40 pipes I.D. and inside diameter of ⅝ inches to match the axle ⅝ inch diameter. The ends of axle tube 1.a with flange bearings 2.b and 2.c fitted and pressed in the ends of tube 1.a creates an axle receiver tube and is the mounting point of the swing frame to the bracket using axle 2.j the vertical axis for the lateral swing of the frame. Tube 1.b the frame top rail tube is cut to a length of 32½ inches with 1 inch radius cove cuts that allow a close fit that facilitates strong welds to tubes 1.a and 1.d, Tube 1.b top rail tube is welded at a 90 degree angle to axle tube 1.a ¼ inch from the top edge of axle tube 1.a. Seat tube 1.d is cut at 90 degrees in relation to its 6 inch length and welded to the opposite end of top rail tube 1.b ¼ inch from the top edge of seat tube 1.d at a 90 degree angle. CONSTRUCTION NOTE: (axle tube 1.a and seat tube 1.d are parallel by their length) The top rail tube 1.b is determined by measuring from the mounting point to the edge of the table and adding 14 inches for comfortable seating distance from table edge. Bottom rail tube 1.c is cut to a length of 35.85 inches at angles that match its intersecting points ¼ inch from the bottom ends of axle tube 1.a and seat tube 1.d and welded in these locations. CONSTRUCTION NOTE: (axle and seat tube ends must remain unobstructed to receive flange bearings and axles). Primary internal brace 1.f cut to 19.25 inches with a double outside 45 degree miter and coved to meet the intersection of tubes 1.a and 1.b, with the 90 degree intersection of tubes split evenly by the 1.f brace, the opposite end meeting the bottom rail tube at the point determined by these two 45 degree angles, then welded on both ends. Tube 1.e a 15 inch second internal brace is cut and welded to bottom rail at the 1.f rail contact point and is angled toward the top rail 1.b at an angle of 70 degrees and cut to fit and welded. CONSTRUCTION NOTE; (all frame tubes to this point of construction are on the same plane) final 2 frame tubes to be attached are the left and right foot rests 1.h and 1.g each cut to a length of 6 inches contoured and coved at the point where they are welded perpendicular to the bottom tube 9½ inches from the axle tube 1.a.

FIG. 3 mounting bracket preferred embodiment shows a single flat steel bar stock 2 inches wide ¼ inch thick and 27 inches long. The bar stock is bent at 90 degree angles along its width, 2 inches from each end. This results in an inside measurement of 22½ inches which will accommodate the 22 inch long axle tube with flange bearings as shown in FIG. 4 illustrations 2.a and axle 1.a with flange bearings 2.b and 2.c and drilled 1 inch from outside edges for the ⅝ inch axle as shown in FIG. 3 illustrations 3.a top and bottom. Irregular surfaces can be accommodated by using independent top and bottom “L” brackets sized and drilled according to demands of mounting surface.

FIG. 4 illustration shows assembly of axle tube to mounting bracket. Flange bearings 2.b and 2.c are pressed into the ends of receiver axle tube 1.a. Axle tube assembly is inserted into mounting bracket 2.a to a point where bracket holes align with axle bearing holes. 2.j is a ⅝ inch diameter steel rod stock cut to a length of 24 inches, threaded 1 inch on each end. Axle is inserted through top end hole of the mounting bracket while the axle frame tube with installed bearings is in alignment with the brackets top and bottom holes of the bracket and retaining nuts are applied to protruding threads of axles top and bottom ends, as illustrated in FIG. 4. CONSTRUCTION NOTE: (for ease of assembly retaining nut 2.g may be installed prior to axle 2.j being inserted into bracket and axle tube)

Operation—FIGS. 2, 5 and 8

Bracket 2.a is attached to a chosen support structure. The frame is attached to the bracket by inserting axle 2.j through the bracket 2.a while the frame tube (with flange bearings installed) is inserted into the bracket and aligned with the axle holes of the bracket and secured with retaining nuts 2.f and 2.g. Seat axle and plate with chosen seat are inserted into frame seat tube 1.d after the insertion of flange bearings 2.d and 2.e and secured with retaining nut 2.h. FIG. 5 shows the profile of a completed frame and bracket attached to a post set in concrete. This seat is in the center position of its greater than 180 degree arc of swing, its axis being the axle secured by the bracket and axle tube. FIG. 8 shows the rotation arcs of a frame mounted to a single pole as viewed from above. The preferred mounting height should be such as to allow the seats occupant to swing using their feet on the ground, or by pushing with their hands on the table edge. Rotation on the seat may be achieved in the same manner. Flange bearings support and lubricate the swing of the frame and rotation of the seat. The ease of the frames swing may be restricted by tightening the retaining nuts 2.f and or 2.g which increases friction between bracket and axle tube. The seats rotation may be eased also be adjusting nut 2.h in this same manner. Swing arc as shown in FIG. 8 is an arc in excess of 180 degrees, overlapping swing arcs of adjacent pole mounted seats. These swing arcs will allow occupants to swing together on any side of a central mounting position, such as a pole or post. This freedom of lateral movement is not only fun, but allows occupants to move together for pictures, view the same scene or just sit close in any combination. The rotation of the seats allows occupants to face each other while the swing allows change of proximity to each other.

FIG. 1 Additional Embodiments

Top frame tube 1.b may be cut to any length capable of supporting structure and occupant. The axle tube 1.a may be changed to any length that allows ground clearance and access to seat, while maintaining sufficient length to support the overall structure. Position and length of the other sections of the frame can be adjusted according to axle 1.a and top rail 1.b length. Material may be of aluminum and its alloys, steel, stainless steel, fiber glass, carbon fiber etc. Protective coatings may be paint, anodizing, powder coats, surface conversion treatments. The seats may be of any material that will support an occupant.

FIG. 7 Alternative Embodiments

Frame tubing shapes may be of varied shapes such as but not limited to oval, square, rectangular, flat bar, angle and channel. FIG. 7 illustrates a “U” shaped frame formed from a single tube. The addition of an external mount bracket to the frame labeled 7.a allows swinging seat to be used without a hollow receiver axle frame member. Foot rests illustrated in FIG. 7.b Show a foot plate alternative to foot posts which will comfortably accommodate high healed shoes. Seat mounting plate illustration 7.c is affixed to frame upright and is of a size that supports industry standard 4¼ inch on center bolt pattern and structurally sound. Frame materials of stronger structural parameters will allow elimination of some or all internal supports frame. The use of stronger materials that allow the elimination of the top bar(s) will allow the use of seats with backs and larger seats that can't be straddled and mounted from the rear. FIG. 7 is an illustration of one such frame not requiring internal bracing.

Advantages

From the description above numerous advantages of my swing seat become evident:

-   -   (a) Its adaptability to mount to any solid surface, existing or         manufactured, mobile or stationary.     -   (b) The ability to be used over areas unable to support seating         with legs. On a sandy beach, gravel and stone lots, turf, or any         irregular surface. The changing location of a mobile food truck         is a prime example of the usefulness of this feature.     -   (c) The legless feature provides unobstructed access seats, this         feature facilitates clean up under and around seating.     -   (d) The swinging feature provides occupants the ability to         change their orientation, proximity to other occupants, their         view, in a fun and easy manner, with a simple push or pull by         hand or foot.     -   (e) The ability to display advertising within the frames open         areas, gives commercial advantages. Open areas of the frames may         also be used decoratively, displaying licensed logos and         trademarks.     -   (f) The mounted seat in commercial settings, prevents the         relocation by patrons, thus removing the time and cost of         employees having to reset seating layouts. Even a few minutes a         day will be substantial savings over time.     -   (g) The seats lack of legs eliminates the need to alter the         ground under the seating, thus lowering the environmental impact         of using swinging seats.

CONCLUSIONS, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE

Accordingly, the reader will see that the versatility of this swinging seat provides a wide variety of locations and uses. The uniqueness is a draw to people to sit, swing and enjoy. The near limitless choice of colors avail it to create primary decor additions, or to blend into an existing decor. Hospitality industry will find it an economical avenue to seat patrons in a wide variety of venues and locations. A post or pole gives the longest swing range, they are abundant in many desirable seating locations, such as docks and piers, poles of tiki huts, pergola supports. Additional advantages of the swinging seat frame are

-   -   it permits the user to place the seat in the extremely wide         range of environments and locations within said environment.     -   it permits seating height to be adjusted simply by altering the         mounting height.     -   it provides a solution for challenging seating situations.     -   it provides a cost savings and timely solution often necessary         to meet commercial demands.     -   it is adaptable to many sizes and shapes of tables.     -   it allows use of a wide range of commercially available seats         and custom designed seats.     -   Although the description above contains many specifications,         these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the         invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of         presently preferred embodiments of this invention. For example         the frame size needs to protrude beyond the table edge to allow         comfortable seating, thus the length of the frame must be         adjusted. The use of wide seats and those with back supports         necessitate the lowering of the top tube to allow ease of entry         into the seat. The preferred embodiment for the frame is         designed to support over 500 pounds, the structural support may         be altered for aesthetic reasons within structural requirements.     -   Thus the scope of the invention should be determined by the         appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the         examples given. 

1. A swinging seat frame of the type comprising a tubular frame pivotally mounted to a vertical surface
 2. Swinging seat frame of claim 1, wherein ferrous and alloys thereof are used in construction of said.
 3. Swinging seat frame of claim 1, wherein non-ferrous and alloys thereof are used in construction of said.
 4. Swinging seat frame of claim 1, wherein resin laminations are used in construction of said.
 5. Swinging seat frame of claim 1, wherein fiber reinforced plastics are used in construction of said.
 6. Swinging seat frame of claim 1, wherein axis of pivot is a integral member of said.
 7. Swinging seat frame of claim 1, wherein the axis of pivot of said is an external mounted bracket.
 8. Swinging seat frame of claim 1, wherein members of said are configured and affixed in form of a trapezoid.
 9. Swinging seat frame of claim 8, wherein the parallel frame members of said serve as axle shaft receivers for frame and seat mounts respectively.
 10. Swinging seat frame of claim 8, wherein the non-parallel frame members determine length of said
 11. Swinging seat frame of claim 8, wherein internal bracing reinforces said.
 12. Swinging seat frame of claim 1, wherein frame consists of a single continuous member formed in “U” shape.
 13. Swinging seat frame of claim 12, wherein the vertical members of said serve to mount frame to vertical surface and seat to frame respectively
 14. Swinging seat frame of claim 12, wherein the horizontal member determines length of said.
 15. Swinging seat frame of claim 1, wherein flanged sleeve bearings are utilized to reduce friction at pivotal points of said. 